The unique and powerful voice of Jed Madela became obvious from the moment he began to sing at the Ratsky 3 Excelsior Hotel, Dubai.
The popular singer covered a wide range of music, from original Filipino tunes to old time favourites from the 70', 80' and 90's. And judging by the crowd's appreciative reaction - with cheering and applause throughout - they loved every moment of his performance.
Romeo Bolos and his newly wed wife Amelia Bolos from Kuwait, who are on honeymoon in Dubai, had spotted Jed in a restaurant at Dubai Mall where they were having lunch on the afternoon before the concert. So thrilled were they, that they cancelled their plans for the evening, choosing instead to attend the gig on Friday.
Orlie Baldedara, 27, also attended the concert. He said: "He delivered whatever I was expected from him, I was amazed from his vocal techniques. By shifting his natural voice to head tone it was a smooth transition."
Jed Madela was born in Iloilo City in the Philippines. He graduated from college early at the age of 18 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree.
His musical career began when he joined the Dyvest Band as lead vocalist, in his hometown of Illoilo City. He was offered a job as a flight attendant after graduation, but chose instead to concentrate on his singing career, spending time in Manila where in 2003 he won the "The Voice of Asia" contest.
Then in 2005, he beat over 3,000 contestants from over 52 countries to win the "The Grand Champion Performer of the World" title in Hollywood. And it paid off.
Now Jed is one of the most respected singers in the Philippines and has so far released 5 solo albums and 11 compilations successful albums. He will be coming back to Dubai on August 5 and 6.
So what would he advise those trying to follow in his footsteps? "Enjoy what [you] do, don't stop learning and also [take] from experience," he told Gulf News, adding that you must also have "patience, perseverance and prayer."
Five minutes with Jed Madela
1. What is your favourite perfume?
Hermes
2. Who is your inspiration when it comes to singing?
Lea Salonga
3. What time do you sleep?
I sleep at 3am but I make sure that I get eight hours.
4. Do you have a fall back career?
Yes, I'm planning to have some businesses like a bar, a restaurant and a school for music.
5. Where is your preferred venue for your big solo concert?
I'm looking forward to that event, either at the Philippine International Convention Centre or the Cultural Centre of the Philippines.
6. What do you say to the people who love your music and who have supported you all the way?
They're my lifeline, without them I would not be here in this limelight.
7. If you were not a singer what career would you have?
Maybe I'd be a flight attendant.
8. Do want to be a movie actor?
I will focus on my singing career as of now, but I do sing some movie theme songs.
9. What song can you dedicate to your fans?
‘You raise me' up by Josh Groban
10. How do you cope to your family in the midst of your busy schedule?
I always call my Mom and my Dad and their updated with what's happening. I'll make sure too that once a year I bring my whole family somewhere for vacation.
